Key facts
- Eli Lilly's weight-loss pill Foundayo has been approved by the UK's medicines regulator.
- Foundayo is indicated for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
- This marks the first European country to approve the treatment.
- The pill will be available via private prescription in the UK later this month.
- NHS availability for weight loss treatment is not yet guaranteed.
Britain's medicines regulator has authorized Eli Lilly's oral weight-loss drug Foundayo for obesity and type 2 diabetes, marking the first European country to approve the treatment. The pill, which targets the GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite, will be available via private prescription in the UK later this month. Eli Lilly's shares rose more than 3% following the announcement.
While the drug is approved for use, its availability through the National Health Service (NHS) for weight loss treatment is not yet guaranteed, though it can be used by the NHS for type 2 diabetes. Eli Lilly plans to apply to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for a recommendation for NHS weight loss treatment.